FlyDubai places order for 50 B737s worth $3.7 bn

"The Boeing next-generation 737-800s are ideally suited to our mission to bring some two billion regional inhabitants affordable, efficient and flexible travel options to and from Dubai," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman of the new no-frills carrier.     

FlyDubai obtained substitution rights to convert its 737-800 orders to 737-900ERs (extended range) in future. The airline has also leased four aircraft from Babcock & Brown.     

"The airline will be the first step for a new set of passengers seeking out high-demand tourist destinations in the Gulf states and surrounding countries, while bringing connectivity to all parts of the globe," he added in one of the first announcements at the Farnborough Air Show.     

Boeing's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney hosted a signing ceremony of the aircraft order.     

The Dubai government initially formed FlyDubai in March. Since then, the airline has been building a business model based on flexible flight operations with a high degree of interactivity with customers, giving them greater control in booking flights and tailoring their in-flight services.     

The low-cost airline's operations will be entirely separate from Emirates Airlines.      "We foresee the unmatched efficiency and operability of the airplane bringing the same success to our partners in Dubai as it does to so many of the world's most successful low-cost airlines," said McNerney.     

A total of 116 airlines have ordered more than 4,800 next-generation B737s so far.